Cardinal Tagle, President of Caritas Internationalis, Implores World Governments to Welcome Migrants and Refugees

Cardinal Tagle, President of Caritas Internationalis, Implores World Governments to Welcome Migrants and Refugees

‘If a person is respected and their creativity is developed, they do not become a threat,’ the Cardinal said in an appeal to governments

►Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the President of Caritas Internationalis — the global network of national Catholic charities — today (September 27) made an impassioned plea for governments across the world to welcome migrants as he launched a campaign for the world to welcome those leaving their homelands for a better life.

Speaking during a press conference at the Vatican, the Archbishop of Manila became emotional when he talked about his grandfather, a poor migrant who arrived in the Philippines with a widowed mother.

“Whenever I think of migrants, I think of my grandfather who emigrated from China,” he explained. “Who would have thought he’d produce a cardinal grandson.”

He said that if a “politician cares for their country” then they will welcome new arrivals, and said more leaders need to have a personal encounter with migrants.

“If a person is respected and their creativity is developed, they do not become a threat,” the cardinal said in an appeal to governments. “Don’t close the doors. You might be closing the doors to people who will enrich your community.”

“Share the Journey”

Earlier today Pope Francis formally launched the “Share the Journey” campaign in St. Peter’s Square during the Wednesday General Audience.

The two-year initiative is aimed raising awareness about the plight of migrants, encourages people to meet with them and hear their stories, rather than treat them as numbers and statistics.

Opening his arms, the Pope said “Christ urges us to welcome our brothers and sisters with our arms truly open, ready for a sincere embrace, a loving and enveloping embrace.” ◘

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Prayer for Blessed Takayama’s Intercession

The final condition for Ukon Takayama’s canonization is that miracles be obtained through his intercession.

Let us therefore address ourselves to our saintly brother and ask Divine Providence to grant us through his intercessions what is impossible to man, be it a miraculous cure or something else which God Almighty alone is able to do. Let us have great confidence in the powerful intercession of this distinguished Servant of God, who will not fail to reward the heroic deeds in His Service by granting us our request, even if it would call for a great miracle. Favors obtained through Blessed Ukon Takayama’s intercession should be reported to the Bishop of your diocese so as to be presented to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

The following prayer may properly serve the purpose and ought to be addressed to the Lord by as many as possible, whenever human means fail to help us in our needs.

PRAYER

God, in Your Wonderful Providence, You have chosen Justus Ukon Takayama to be a singular promoter of Your Kingdom, and an undaunted witness to the Catholic Faith -- Reward, we beseech you, his zeal for Your Glory, and graciously grant us what we humbly ask through his intervention.

Grant us also that following his example, we may bravely bear all trials for the sake of our holy Catholic Faith. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

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LORD TAKAYAMA JUBILEE FOUNDATION

The LORD TAKAYAMA JUBILEE FOUNDATION was registered on September 29, 1988 by Filipino and Japanese history buffs to support Philippine research into the life and times of the illustrious Japanese feudal governor, Justus Ukon Takayama (1552-1615).